Valdosta State University offers two nurse practitioner population focuses through its College of Nursing and Health Sciences: family (FNP) and family psychiatric-mental health (PMHNP). FNP is available as an MSN, a BSN to DNP, and post-master’s certificates; PMHNP is available as an MSN and post-master’s certificates.
Valdosta State is a public university in South Georgia with some of the lowest NP tuition in the state. Three policies shape the decision more than any single specialty detail:
- Low published rate. For 2026–27, online MSN and DNP courses bill $332 per credit, with no separate out-of-state rate on the schedule.
- Recurring weekends on campus. MSN students attend five weekend class meetings each fall and spring semester and four each summer.
- Certificates built around your current specialty. Separate certificate tracks serve MSN holders, current PNPs, FNPs, and adult-gerontology NPs.
Quick facts
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Valdosta, GA |
| NP Specialties | FNP, PMHNP (family psychiatric-mental health) |
| Degree Options | MSN (both); BSN to DNP (FNP); post-master’s certificates (both); post-master’s DNP |
| Format | Hybrid: online coursework with recurring weekend class meetings |
| Clinical Placement | Faculty-directed; students may choose preceptors from approved agencies |
| Entry Points | BSN (MSN, DNP); MSN or current NP (certificates); APRN (post-master’s DNP) |
| Admission Terms | Fall and spring (MSN, certificates); fall only (DNP) |
| Tuition | $332 per credit online (MSN and DNP), 2026–27 |
| Accreditation | CCNE |
Comparing Valdosta State’s NP programs
| Pathway | Credits | Clinical hours | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) | |||
| MSN | 50 | 715 | BSN |
| BSN to DNP | 81–84 | 1,215 | BSN; fall start |
| Certificate for MSN holders | 36 | 715 | MSN |
| Certificate for current PNPs | 23 | 595 | Current PNP |
| Certificate for current AGNPs | 16 | 435 | Current adult-gerontology NP |
| Psychiatric-Mental Health (PMHNP) | |||
| MSN | 57 | 675 | BSN |
| Certificate for MSN holders | 44 | 645 | MSN |
| Certificate for current FNPs | 27 | 645 | Current FNP |
| Certificate for current AGNPs | 30 | 645 | Current adult-gerontology NP |
| Certificate for current PNPs | Not stated | 645 | Current PNP |
Figures come from Valdosta State’s 2026–27 catalog and program pages. Certificate hours are minimums, and every certificate plan follows a gap analysis. The catalog lists 84 credits for the BSN to DNP, while Valdosta State’s DNP and Graduate School pages list 81. The catalog also lists an adult-gerontology NP certificate (26 credits, 505 hours) without stating primary or acute care.
What stands out about Valdosta State’s NP programs
- Low-cost MSNs. At $332 per credit, the FNP MSN runs about $16,600 in tuition and the PMHNP MSN about $18,900.
- Short add-on certificates. A current adult-gerontology NP can add FNP in 16 credits, about $5,300 in tuition.
- An MSN exit inside the DNP. BSN to DNP students can opt out with an FNP MSN after the seventh semester.
- Two intakes a year. MSN and certificate students can start in fall or spring.
Which Valdosta State NP program fits your goal?
- FNP: Primary care across the lifespan, through an MSN, a doctorate, or a certificate
- PMHNP: Psychiatric care across the lifespan, through an MSN or a certificate
Family Nurse Practitioner
Credits 16–84 · Clinical hours 435–1,215 · MSN · BSN to DNP · Certificate
The FNP MSN runs 50 credits and 715 clinical hours over about six semesters. The BSN to DNP adds 500 doctoral practice hours over ten semesters, with doctoral courses fully online.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Credits 27–57 · Clinical hours 645–675 · MSN · Certificate
The family PMHNP MSN runs 57 credits and 675 clinical hours over about eight semesters. Certificates for current FNPs, PNPs, and adult-gerontology NPs each require at least 645 clinical hours.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
- BSN to DNP (FNP): 81 to 84 credits, 1,215 clinical hours, ten semesters, fall start; requires a 3.0 BSN GPA and an interview
- Post-master’s DNP: 38 credits over five semesters, fully online, for certified APRNs with a 3.0 master’s GPA and at least 500 MSN clinical hours; it does not add an NP specialty
Post-master’s certificates
- Eligibility: an MSN with a 3.0 GPA, an unencumbered license, and three recommendations
- APRN certification: not required for the MSN-holder tracks; the conversion tracks are titled for current NPs
- Gap analysis: required with the Graduate Nursing Program Director
- Deadlines: May 15 for fall, September 15 for spring
Clinical placement
Valdosta State’s current program pages do not describe a placement model. Its 2022 graduate handbook says clinical experiences generally take place within the university’s 41-county service area, under agreements with several hundred agencies. Students may choose a preceptor from that approved list, as directed by course faculty.
Confirm the current policy before enrolling, especially if you live outside South Georgia.
Format and campus requirements
| Program | Format | Attendance |
|---|---|---|
| MSN (FNP, PMHNP) | Hybrid | Five weekend class meetings each fall and spring semester, four each summer |
| Post-master’s certificates | Hybrid | Valdosta State says the model may include the same weekend meetings |
| BSN to DNP | Hybrid | Weekend meetings during master’s-level courses; doctoral courses online; campus orientation and project presentation |
| Post-master’s DNP | Online | Fully online |
Tuition
Valdosta State’s MSN and DNP fee schedule, effective fall 2026, sets one online rate with no separate out-of-state rate.
| MSN and DNP, per credit (online) | $332 |
| Online learning fee | $442 |
| Nursing lab fee | $20 |
| Pathway | Credits | Estimated Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| FNP MSN | 50 | $16,600 |
| PMHNP MSN | 57 | $18,924 |
| FNP BSN to DNP | 81–84 | $26,892–$27,888 |
| FNP certificate (MSN holders) | 36 | $11,952 |
| FNP certificate (current AGNPs) | 16 | $5,312 |
| PMHNP certificate (MSN holders) | 44 | $14,608 |
| Post-master’s DNP | 38 | $12,616 |
These are NPPrograms.com estimates before fees. The schedule does not say whether the $442 online learning fee is charged each term or applies to hybrid students. See Valdosta State’s tuition and fee schedules for current figures.
Admissions
- Degree: a BSN with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- License: an active, unencumbered RN license; the Graduate School page describes it as Georgia-based
- Materials: three recommendations and professional liability insurance
- Testing: no GRE or MAT
- Deadlines: May 15 for fall and September 15 for spring (MSN); May 15 for the fall-only DNP
Accreditation and state authorization
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits Valdosta State’s BSN, MSN, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs, and the Georgia Board of Nursing approves them. Valdosta State University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Out-of-state applicants must verify their own state’s rules for distance programs. Valdosta State does not publish a state-by-state list.
Who is Valdosta State best for?
May be a strong fit for
- South Georgia nurses who want a low-cost MSN
- Current NPs adding FNP or PMHNP through a shortened certificate
- Students who want a fall or spring start
- BSN nurses who want an FNP doctorate with an MSN exit
- Nurses who prefer some in-person class time
Compare other options if
- You cannot travel to Valdosta several weekends each semester
- You want the school to arrange your preceptors
- You want a PMHNP doctorate
- You need adult-gerontology or pediatric preparation
- You live far from Valdosta State’s clinical service area
Compare more NP programs in Georgia
- Augusta University - Augusta
- Brenau University - Norcross
- Emory University - Atlanta
- Georgia College & State University - Milledgeville
- Georgia Southern University - Statesboro
- Georgia State University - Atlanta
- Mercer University - Atlanta
- South University - Savannah